Begin meeting on time, so you can end on time. Start by reviewing agenda and setting priorities for meeting. Stick closely to agenda, but also encourage group discussion to collect all points of view. Keep conversation focused on topic, and don’t hesitate to ask for only constructive and original comments.

Tactfully end discussions when they’re going nowhere or become too touchy. As a leader, set a good example by listening attentively and showing appreciation for participants’ input.

Keep minutes of meeting for future reference in case a question or problem arises. Summarize any agreements reached and end meeting on a positive note. For example, have participants volunteer to share their views on what good ideas or positive developments they feel resulted from meeting. And before everyone leaves, don’t forget to set a date, time and place for next meeting.

After Meeting

Be sure to transcribe and distribute minutes of meeting within three or four days. This will help reinforce importance of meeting and give participants a clear and accurate record of what took place. Follow up on any delegation decisions and ensure that all participants understand and carry out their responsibilities. Give recognition and appreciation to excellent and timely progress. And put any unfinished business on agenda for next meeting.

You should also periodically evaluate meetings and work on any areas that need improving. Remember, meetings that are effectively planned — from start to finish — can leave participants with a sense of accomplishment and enhance your organization’s overall success.

Once you find what motivates you, then take next step. Focusing your thoughts and your attention on one step at a time makes it easier to reach your goals. Stay open to all possibilities and ideas. Divine intervention will guide you, making opportunities available where none may have existed before. You may even see new ideas that you never thought were possible. Do not doubt. New ideas will come your way. Be thankful for them. Look at them with a beginner’s mind – with alertness and enthusiasm. Then move on to next step.

Thoughts are first forms of communication. When you voice your thoughts, you are sending and receiving messages. Your thoughts must be a continuous flow of positive energy. Find some way to communicate this positive energy (enthusiasm) to your customers. This is lifeline of all businesses. Then figure out a creative way to let consumers know about your business products or services. Effective communication makes a big difference in your success.

First, make sure you are offering right product or service. When you can say, “I use it myself, and it’s great,” means you’ve found right product or service to offer to consumers. Whenever your business has a new product or service to offer, it must have power to stick around. Positive, ongoing communication with your customers provides this satisfaction.

Listening and paying attention to your customers is another step to growing your business. Be a forward thinker. It’s a business tool that is often overlooked. Be open and willing to accept changes and new ideas. Focusing on quality and not on profits is another way to encourage business growth. Find a way to communicate benefits of your product or service. Does your merchandise or work reflect high standard that is expected by public? If not, be willing to make it best.

Motivation is driving force behind your business. Find what motivates you and keep emotion going. Let it lead you to being unique. After all, there’s no business like your own business. ###